The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit, tax-exempt, private organization established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, presence in more than 60 nations, and experience helping to establish over 150 protected areas across the globe, WCS has amassed the biological knowledge, cultural understanding and partnerships to ensure that vibrant, wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. Working with local communities and organizations, that knowledge is applied to address species, habitat and ecosystem management issues critical to improving the quality of life of poor rural people whose livelihoods depend on the direct utilization of natural resources.
Objective:
In April 2022 the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) signed a 10-year management agreement that delegated management authority for Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP) to WCS. Under this new management arrangement, WCS is seeking a Law Enforcement Trainer (LE Trainer) to develop and implement an effective ecoguard capacity building training program within KBNP.
The LE Trainer will advise and support the KBNP Director, Deputy Park Director and Law Enforcement Advisor (LE Advisor) on skills, requirements and development needs, to build a competent ecoguard force through a well-developed training programme. The LE trainer will provide basic and specialist training to the ecoguards and develop a team of ecoguard trainers. The LE Trainer will act as lead coordinator and instructor alongside the training team and work on the transfer of skills and courses to ICCN training staff. He/she will also provide support the LE Advisor and act as his/her deputy in relation to general law enforcement support to the PNKB and ICCN and as the WCS security officer on site.
The position is permanently based at the KBNP Headquarters in South Kivu province and works under the direction of the Deputy Park Director. The person must be comfortable living and working in a remote and austere conservation area in a challenging political and working environment.
Responsibilities:
Advise, guide and support the Park Director and Deputy Site Manager of the KBNP in the development of an effective law enforcement training programme:
- Develop and implement a law enforcement staff training and mentoring plan that will strengthen and develop the skills and competencies of all KBNP staff, in particular the Chief of Law Enforcement, section and platoon leaders, through training and mentoring
- Implement and deliver a systemic approach to training (SAT).
- Develop and implement the KBNP Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) alongside the LE Advisor and train all ecoguards in their use and implementation.
- Work with other KBNP and WCS staff and subject matter experts as required, to ensure ecoguards and all enforcement staff receive annual training in communications, human rights, gender equality and conflict sensitivity.
- In accordance with WCS procurement policy, assist in the identification, recruitment and management of external consultants, if required, for the development and implementation of an effective law enforcement training programme.
- Ensure the smooth running of routine operations, including supervising patrols, inspections and reporting through training and preparation.
- Coordinate and supervise the selection and induction training of new ecoguards.
- Assist the LE Advisor in the development and training of managers in operational planning and conduct of operations.
- Coordinate and deliver specialised courses for selected ecoguards.
- With the LE Advisor, ensure that all ecoguards have the appropriate equipment and clothing to carry out their work properly.
- Act as deputy LE Advisor when requested.
Work with the PNKB Director and Deputy Site Manager to ensure effective and strategic communication and coordination:
- Maintain close day-to-day coordination with the Park Director, Deputy Site Manager, Head of Enforcement and productive internal communications with senior KBNP staff, partners and stakeholders.
- Help to develop and implement strategic and effective communications for law enforcement
- Support coordination and communication with KBNP stakeholders on all LE training issues
- Support planning and coordination with other key state agencies, as directed by the Director of the PNKB
- Under the supervision of the Park Director and Deputy Site Manager, assist with reporting and contribute to proposal development
- Together with the LE Advisor, develop annual, quarterly and monthly training plans, work plans and budgets, regular donor activity reports and technical reports. He/she will also provide relevant information on LE needs to fundraising proposals.
- Support the achievement of quarterly and annual field operations and training targets, while responding and adapting to changing situations on the ground.
- Contribute to ensuring that all data relevant to the OER results framework is collected and submitted to the OER Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in a timely and accurate manner.
- Identify, monitor and report on risks, in accordance with the risk management plan, including the coordination of risk response actions.
- Undertake internal staff and programme evaluations, where appropriate
- Produce reports, training plans, equipment requirements and budget forecasts as needed.
Other responsibilities:
- Operate in accordance with the laws of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the ICCN Statutes, the internal regulations of the park, and relevant policies and procedures.
- Be available to perform all reasonable duties assigned within the scope of the service by the Director and Deputy Site Manager.
- Assist in the wider management of the KBNP, including participation in weekly management meetings, liaison with the Operations Manager for logistical support.
Qualification Requirements
- A minimum of 10 years’ experience in a similar position
- Experience working in a forested environment
- First aid certifications desirable
- Hold a full/international driving license
- Proficiency with standard office computer software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint etc.)
- A commitment to working collegially with all staff, and professionally and diplomatically with all partner organisations – governmental and non-governmental in a culturally diverse environment.
- Proven experience of developing and maintaining partnerships and individual relationships in a complex political environment.
- The willingness to gain an understanding of the institutional and legal framework for conservation in the DRC, as well as the relevant policy challenges.
- Proven experience in remote areas of the world, the ability and skills to make the most of any given situation.
- Good command of French and English and/or Kiswahili.
- Previous experience in Africa, and the ability to work with and be sensitive to a diverse group of people, including different cultures, nationalities and backgrounds.
- Flexibility, optimism, good humour, a passion for excellence, motivation and ambition.
How to apply:
Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, skills and experience, should apply through this link by December 5, 2022.
WCS is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and are looking for future team members who share this same value.
